There’s a second chance

Follow-up note provides opportunity to provide information omitted during interview

So you’ve completed the interview and you’re really excited about the possibility of joining the company. The position sounds perfect, and you really want that job!

Now that you’ve had time to rethink the interview, however, you’re wishing you’d mentioned a couple other things. You really believe that offering a few additional words of wisdom will help your chances of landing the position.

The time right after an interview and prior to an employer making a final hiring decision on a job opening is critical. This time also provides an opportunity to keep yourself top of mind with the interviewer, and increase the chances that you’re the one who is selected.

One way many successful candidates improve their chances is by sending a short follow up letter or email.

Be aware, though — this is an area where no follow up is better than poor follow up. Your correspondence must be well thought out. A poorly executed letter has the potential to reduce your chances of getting hired, so take this step seriously as part of your job search.

To follow up properly after a job interview, consider these points:

• A typed (or emailed) response is your safest bet, unless you have very easy-to-read handwriting or you can print very clearly.

• Avoid using humorous letterhead or stationery; the appearance should be professional.

• It’s best to limit an unsolicited follow-up letter to less than 10 sentences. Really think through what you’re trying to say to the interviewer. One of the sentences should also thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.

• Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes.

• Ask a friend or family member to read your note and provide input on how to make it more effective.

• If possible, hand deliver your follow-up message to the place of business (make sure you’re dressed professionally when you stop by). As a rule, you’ll just drop the note off to a receptionist. It’s usually not appropriate to ask to see the person you’re sending it to.

I began this article with the thought that you wish you’d presented an additional item or two during the interview. When writing your follow-up note, don’t ramble. State those items clearly and succinctly; you want to be factual and accurate. A well-executed follow-up note could be just the right thing to place you in the top position.

Photo by iStock Job interviews can be stressful, and it’s common for applicants to later remember information they forgot to share. Follow-up letters provide a second chance to share such details.